Adam Yates is not shy about targeting a tilt at the Olympic Games road race this summer, but first he has to secure his spot on the team for Rio – something he is keen to kickstart at this week’s Tour de Yorkshire.

The race profile should play into the hands of Yates, a natural going uphill, with 11 climbs including an 8.9km ramp which will be tackled three times during the race and is expected to be where a decisive move may be made before the 20km flat run-in to the finish.

Great Britain’s recent successes in road cycling, including three Tour de France victories in the last four years from Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, mean they will be able to field a strong team in the race, and Yates is hoping to be a part of it.

“I would like to go, it would be a great opportunity to try something there,” said the Orica- GreenEdge rider.

“The course looks good for me but I will have to make sure I gain selection first. If I do well in the Tour de France then we will see.

“We have got the maximum roster of five riders and obviously with Chris Froome there then if he is going for the Tour de France he will have good form coming out of that race.

“Hopefully I make selection because it will be a good course for me and we will try and do something.”

Your essential guide to the Tour de Yorkshire

The Olympic course will start and finish in Flamengo Park and will take in some of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognisable locations, including the Copacabana beach.

Before that though he tackles the roads of Yorkshire this week before going on to the Critérium du Dauphiné in June and then the Tour de France in July.

Yates will be making his debut in the Yorkshire race this year but already has his eyes on the overall win.